IP’s right should be included in the Basic Law of Bangsamoro: Tribal Chief

Deputy Supreme Tribal Chief of Teduray Timuay Justice and Governance in the Municipality of Upi in Maguindanao Province, Timuay Santos Unsad was invited to speak in behalf of the indigenous people about the GPH-MILF Peace Talks and Salient Points on the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro discussed by Atty. Johaira Wahab on the Forum-Workshop on Understanding the Mindanao Peace Processes and The significant Role of the Academe and the Media in Peacebuilding.

Unsad said that when they learned about the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) the indigenous people saw light and hope at the end of the tunnel. But they were alarmed when their right as indigenous people of Maguindanao is not included in the Bangsamoro Basic Law.

“We are alarmed because they said that it will be difficult for them to include our right (indigenous people) to the bangsamoro basic law ” Unsad said during the forum. He added that they will come to congress to fight for their right to be included in the Bangsamoro Basic Law , and if it is still not included they still have the plebiscite.

The Bangsamoro basic law is the replacement of the organic act which created Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). Unsay stressed that if the right of the indigenous people will not be included in the Basic law of Bangsamoro it will cause discrimination against the indigenous people.

“MILF concept is inclusive, they think we are one with the moro people” Unsay said. Unsay also clarified that Moro people has its distinction like the Lumads or the indigenous people, and the right of self-determination will be solved if their right will not be included in the Bangsamoro Basic Law.
Indigenous people are still hopeful that their right will be included specially now that they have 2 representative to the Transition Commission to draft the Bangsamoro Basic Law.